The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Corporal] Leo J. Gilligan (ASN: 31188716), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 October 1944, in Germany. Staff Sergeant Gilligan was serving as a member of an anti-tank gun crew. Enemy tanks appeared within eight hundred yards of the gun position, at least seventeen being observed by Staff Sergeant Gilligan as they advanced toward his position. Though realizing that to fire would immediately disclose their position and subject them to the concentrated fire from the oncoming tanks, Staff Sergeant Gilligan courageously elected to fight and gave the command to fire. One of the enemy tanks was destroyed and another disabled before hostile fire neutralized the anti-tank gun position. The courageous devotion to duty exhibited by this gallant soldier reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.